The Business Edge is a podcast brought to you by the Feliciano School of Business at Montclair State University. In each episode we will explore an emerging business trend featuring discussion by a credible subject matter expert. Experts include our world class faculty, successful alumni and business leaders. Each discussion is open and honest to ensure our listeners gain a business edge.Be sure to subscribe for new episodes.
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February 4, 202638 min
Staying Present and Building a Meaningful Life
What does it really mean to be present as an entrepreneur?In this podcast episode, Dr. Ethné Swartz, Professor in the Department of Management, has a discussion with entrepreneur and philanthropist Edwin Feliciano. This reflective conversation emphasizes how presence, patience, and mindset have shaped Edwin’s entrepreneurial journey from purchasing his first property at 22 to leading major business turnarounds.Guided by Dr. Swartz’ questions, Edwin shares lessons learned over decades of experience, including the importance of listening and building trust, managing risk without losing focus, and why true success extends beyond financial gain. He also discusses practical habits for staying grounded, leading with integrity, and intentionally designing a meaningful life while navigating uncertainty.A powerful conversation for students, entrepreneurs, and anyone looking to lead with clarity and intention in a fast-paced world.
December 1, 202526 min
Tech Hawks Series: Episode #2
In the "Tech Hawks" podcast series, Feliciano School of Business faculty member Dr. David Eisenberg, Assistant Professor in the department of Information Management and Business Analytics, discusses key issues facing business, technology and society. In this episode, Dr. Eisenberg speaks with Dr. Jorge Fresneda, the Hurlburt Chair Professor and Associate Professor in Digital Marketing, Marketing Analytics and Sports Analytics at the Martin Tuchman School of Management at New Jersey Institute of Technology. Together, they discuss their research collaboration into the emerging technology of combining neural sensors with artificial intelligence for cutting-edge business applications at the Neural Analytics for Business Lab at NJIT. Dr. David Eisenberg is an Assistant Professor in the department of Information Management and Business Analyticshas completed two masters degrees, from Virginia Tech and Rutgers University, prior to completing his PhD at New Jersey Institute of Technology. David has published numerous peer-reviewed journal articles and conference proceedings, was named a Georgia Tech Research Institute Fellow, National Science Foundation I-Corps Fellow, George Mason University Mercatus Fellow, Junior Scholar of the American Marketing Association’s Public Policy Conference, Founder's Award recipient and Emerging Scholar of the Society of Business Ethics. He has served as 2023-2026 American Association of Information Systems Future of Work Track Chair, their 2023-2025 Cognitive Information Systems mini-track co-chair, and the 2025 Workplace Equality and Diversity Session Chair for the Society of Business Ethics. Jorge Fresneda is the Hurlburt Chair Professor and an Associate Professor in Digital Marketing, Marketing Analytics and Sports Analytics at the Martin Tuchman School of Management - NJIT. His research interest expands from the role of information in Online Consumer Reviews as influencing online consumers, to the economic impact derived from the lack of accessibility of e-commerce sites. Jorge has extensive experience as a higher education instructor in the areas of digital marketing and analytics at the undergraduate, master, and doctoral levels.
October 14, 202511 min
Can We Handle The Social Security Shortfall By Using Tax Incentives?
Speaker BioDr. David Axelrod received his Ph.D. in Economics from Rutgers University in 1990. He worked in finance for twenty years as an economist, consultant and actuarial analyst, including positions with Falcon Management, Volvo Finance, and Crum & Forster. He has also produced research in health economics, and on the nature of choice and well-being. Dr. Axelrod then started teaching at Montclair State University in 2013. His book "Nomics: Notes from the Economics of Time, Mind, and Spirit" was published in 2025. Dr. Axelrod provides holonomic consultation and workshops. He also plays electric bass, and has released over a dozen albums of original music
August 26, 202524 min
Tech Hawks Series: Episode #1 - Breaking Barriers: Digital Accessibility
In the "Tech Hawks" podcast series, Feliciano School of Business faculty member Dr. David Eisenberg, Assistant Professor in the department of Information Management and Business Analytics, discusses key issues facing business, technology and society. In this episode, Dr. Eisenberg speaks with Dr. Alex Cohen, a legally blind business professor at West Chester University, who is also Chief Marketing and Accessibility Officer of Accessible Pharmacy, Inc. Together, they discuss new research into digital accessibility and technological discrimination, as well as the benefits for business leaders of providing accessible options for workers and consumers alike. Dr. David Eisenberg is an Assistant Professor in the department of Information Management and Business Analyticshas completed two masters degrees, from Virginia Tech and Rutgers University, prior to completing his PhD at New Jersey Institute of Technology. David has published numerous peer-reviewed journal articles and conference proceedings, was named a Georgia Tech Research Institute Fellow, National Science Foundation I-Corps Fellow, George Mason University Mercatus Fellow, Junior Scholar of the American Marketing Association’s Public Policy Conference, Founder's Award recipient and Emerging Scholar of the Society of Business Ethics. He has served as 2023-2025 American Association of Information Systems Future of Work track co-chair, their 2023-2025 Cognitive Information Systems mini-track co-chair, and the 2025 Workplace Equality and Diversity Session Chair for the Society of Business Ethics. Dr. Alex Cohen, this episode's guest, is an Associate Professor in the Marketing Department at West Chester University, where his research focuses on marketing to the disabled community with the goal of creating a more inclusive marketplace. While earning his Ph.D. in marketing from the LeBow College of Business at Drexel University, he co-authored publications enhancing the assurance of success in online programs for students with disabilities. Prior to beginning his doctoral program, Cohen worked in the hospitality industry for 15 years where his experience includes: holding positions such as director of sales & marketing, general manager, and senior VP of operations. As a non-traditional student, he completed his Master’s degree in hospitality management in an on-line program at Drexel University. Diagnosed at age 20, Cohen has a degenerative retinal disease known as Retinitis Pigmentosa which has robbed him of most of his vision. He lives in downtown Philadelphia with his wife and two young sons, and spends his spare time as an avid runner, novice musician, and remains deeply involved and committed to the Foundation Fighting Blindness.
April 15, 202530 min
Talk Smart: Speaking with Power & Poise
Communications coach Simon de Deney shares his journey from acting to helping people become better communicators, offering practical techniques to overcome presentation anxiety. His unique background provides valuable insights into how theater techniques can transform business presentations and help people engage audiences more effectively.• The fear of public speaking stems from the emotional intensity and vulnerability it creates• Presentation nerves can be managed through "inside out" (mental focus) and "outside in" (physical techniques) approaches• Choose a positive word like "inspire" or "entertain" to guide how you want to come across• Square breathing (4 counts in, hold 4, out 4, hold 4) reduces anxiety and improves vocal quality• Body language signals confidence—avoid protective postures or overcompensation• Stand in the "classical position" with relaxed posture as your default stance• The "I'm important, you're important" mindset creates balanced presenter-audience connection• Our brains evolved to learn through stories—"storytelling is learning for free"• Perfect your opening and closing lines since audiences remember first and last impressions• Record practice sessions and review them with a friend for valuable feedbackIf you found this content valuable, please subscribe and share this with a friend.
April 11, 20257 min
Tariffs Fixing Trade or Fumbling It?
Todd Federman, economics instructor at the Feliciano School of Business at Montclair State University, breaks down the real-world consequences of sweeping tariffs imposed by President Trump on April 2nd. From a staggering $10 trillion market loss to the inflationary impact on everyday consumers, Federman outlines how tariffs function, who pays them, and why they may do more harm than good.
March 10, 20255 min
Will DOGE Really Send a $5,000 Check to Taxpayers?
The federal budget has become a hot-button topic with the emergence of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) led by Elon Musk. Feliciano School of Business Economics professor Todd Federman breaks down exactly why the promised "DOGE dividend" faces serious mathematical obstacles.Federman starts with a clear analysis of federal finances: the government collects approximately $5 trillion annually, with half coming from income taxes and 36% from Social Security taxes. Meanwhile, government spending reaches around $7 trillion, creating a $2 trillion deficit. Of that $7 trillion, about $5 trillion goes to mandatory spending like Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and interest payments, leaving just $2 trillion in discretionary spending, half of which funds defense.The reality is stark: DOGE's budget-cutting efforts target only about $1 trillion in spending. While they claim to have identified $100-150 billion in potential cuts over six weeks, these figures require careful scrutiny, as government budgets typically reference savings over ten-year periods. Even if DOGE achieves an ambitious $500 billion in annual cuts, returning $100 billion to taxpayers presents a logical paradox – the government would need to borrow that money to distribute it, potentially worsening the deficit and creating inflationary pressure.Want to understand more about federal budgeting and economic policy? Subscribe to hear future episodes on tariffs, fiscal policy, and other pressing economic issues that affect your financial future. Share your thoughts on whether budget cuts should prioritize deficit reduction or taxpayer dividends in the comments below!
January 15, 202510 min
The Preamble and Government Efficiency
This episode explores the intricacies of measuring government efficiency through the ideals embedded in the U.S. Constitution's preamble. We discuss the implications of redefining traditional metrics of efficiency, emphasizing the importance of social connections and comprehensive welfare in evaluating public services.• Examining efficiency as defined by the preamble's objectives• Importance of metrics that reflect social values• The value added by social experiences in government services• Discussing Social Security's implications on various generations• Financial implications of efficiency versus welfare• Role of AI in redefining governance metrics• Call for a holistic approach to measuring government successSpeaker BioDr. David Axelrod received his Ph.D. in Economics from Rutgers University in 1990, with the dissertation Three Essays on Latency in Economics and Decision Making. He has taught at Montclair State University. Previously, he worked in finance for twenty years as an economist, consultant and actuarial analyst, including positions with Falcon Management, Volvo Finance, and Crum & Forster. He has also produced research in health economics, and on the nature of choice and well-being. Dr. Axelrod provides holonomic consultation and workshops. He plays electric bass, and has released over a dozen albums of original music
December 9, 202412 min
Todd Federman - Decoding President-elect Trump's Economic Policies: Impacts on GDP, Employment, and National Debt
In this episode Feliciano School of Business economics professor, Todd Federman, offers a compelling analysis of President-elect Donald Trump’s proposed economic policies. Todd demystifies the intricate connections between mass deportation of undocumented workers, sweeping tariffs, and the decision to maintain current income tax rates until 2026. By dissecting these proposals, Federman provides a glimpse into how they might affect the GDP—a critical measure of the nation's wealth—and explore their potential ripple effects on employment and income distribution across America.As we navigate through the complexities of federal budget dynamics, Todd sheds light on the implications of the projected $2 trillion deficit for 2024 and the mounting national debt, which now exceeds the annual GDP. This episode provides listeners with anunderstanding of how these economic elements interplay, influencing tax revenues, government spending, and ultimately, the nation's fiscal health.
August 7, 202430 min
Back2 Basics - Episode 22: Tackling the Limiting Thoughts
Feliciano School of Business faculty members in the department of Information Management and Business Analytics, Dr. Mahmoud ElHussini and Dr. George Elias discuss issues and problems being faced by business professionals. On this podcast, they continue their discussion of limiting thoughts by focusing on how to dismantle the myth behind the false power limiting thoughts have on individuals, and brainstorm different ways to deal with and overcome such limiting thoughts.Co-Hosts Background: Mahmoud (Moe) Elhussini, MS, MBA, DBA, is an Instructor Specialist at Montclair State University. He is also the president and founder of The Growth Coach Allentown - Somerville. A consulting and business coaching company. Moe has worked in data & operations management for over a decade. He then switched to business consulting, helping companies build ERP and customer interface systems. After that he transitioned into international business development, helping companies manage their internal organic growth or through mergers and strategic alliances. Moe has published a couple of handbooks, one on emotional intelligence and another on servant leadership. He is currently working on a third that revolves around overcoming sales objections. Moe has a BA in Biology from Rutgers University, an MBA in Global Management, and MS in Information Management, and a DBA in Geopolitics and Strategy. At Montclair University, Moe is part of the Information Management and Business Analytics Department. He teaches Business Decision Making, Operations Management, and Statistics in Business courses. George Elias, Ph.D., PMP is Chief Systems Engineer for Space and Airborne Systems leading initiatives in integrated spectrum management and mission avionics at L3Harris Technologies. Additionally, Dr. Elias is as an adjunct professor at Montclair State University’s department of information management & business analytics where he teaches business operations and statistics. Dr. Elias is experienced in leading the development and production of complex hardware and software system solutions including: electronic warfare systems, communication systems, and space systems. Previously, Dr. Elias served as the Director of Capture Excellence & Business Development Operations for the Electronic Warfare Sector. As an L3Harris Technologies Certified Enterprise Capture Lead, Dr. Elias was responsible for directing large, complex pursuits across the enterprise. In addition to systems engineering and business development, Dr. Elias has held roles in finance, quality assurance, operations/manufacturing, modeling and simulation, project engineering, program management, and Internal Research and Development (IRAD). Dr. Elias has a Doctorate in Systems Engineering, a Masters Certificate in Project Management, and a Masters in Computer Science from Stevens Institute of Technology. Additionally, Dr. Elias has a Bachelors in Computer Information Systems from Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey & New Jersey Institute of Technology. Finally, Dr. Elias has a Mini-MBA from Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey.
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